Convertible vehicle-body.



H. SMITH. CONVERTIBLE VEHHILE BODL APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 15, saw

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3 SHEETS- K 9 7 8 A 7 fi 1 J. m w 1 H. SMITH, CONVERTIBLE vemcu BODY AWUCAHON FILED SEPT. 15, 1913 Patented May 2, 19M

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H. SMITH. EONVERTIBLE VEHICLE 500v. APPLECATION FILED SEPT. I5, I913.

Patented May 2, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HINSDALE SMITH. OF SPRINGFIELD. MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO SPRINGFIELD BODY CORPORATION OF NEW YORK, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.,

A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE-BODY.

Application filed September 15. 1913.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Hixsmma Snrrn. a citizen of the Fnited States of America, and resident of Springfield. in the county of Hampden and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Convertible Vehicle-Bodies. of which the follo\\'ing is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to bodies for automobiles and other vehicles and more especially to constructions and arrangements included in the top and in the body and appurtenances of the latter hereby the vehicle may be used with the top up and with the interior entirely inclosed as completely as is the case in a limousine, or whereby the vehicle may be employed with the overhead or canopy portion up but with the sides open or whereby the top may be compactly folded and carried in a lowered position at the rear of the body.

The particular objects of the invention are more definitely indicated and the means for their attainment shown in the accompanying drawings hereinafter described in conjunction therewith and set forth in the claims.

In the drawings. Figure l is a side elevation of the body of an automobile show ing the top up but the side closures or window sections removed. Fig. 2 is a central sectional elevation longitudinally through the body with the parts in the same relations as represented in Fig. 1, but with the window sections shown in their places for closing the side of the vehicle. Fig. 3 is a partial horizontal sectional view on line 3 3, Fig. 2. F ig. c is a transverse sectional view on line 44, Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a partial side view in detail showing provisions hereinafter particularly referred to. Fig. 6 is a side elevation representing the general aspect of the top in its folded-up condition, Fig. 7 being a sectional view showing the structural character and nested arrangement of the bows and certain bars pivotally connected therewith when the top is in folded condition and substantially as seen on line 7-T. Fig. (3. Fig. 8 represents jointed parts comprised in the foldable top including a portion of one of the auxiliary bows and which will be hereinafter more Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 2, 1916.

Serial No. 789.738.

particularly referred to. Fig. 9 is a partial elevation of the wind shield frame and wind shield thereon showing the relation thereto and connection .therewith of the horizontal front or vizor bow comprised in the foldable top. Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation showing all of the members comprised in the fold-able top as in their relations when folded nearly to compact condition. l

Similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all of the views.

Referring to the drawings, Figs. 1 and 9, A represents the body of an automobile having the openings ll and C for the fore door l3 and the rear door C, the upper edges of which doors and the sides of the body being horizontal so that when the doors are closed their upper edges form a continuation with the adjacent upper edges of the body.

Comprised in the foldable top are (here described with reference to the parts in their set-up condition) a rear vertical bow D, a forward vertical bow E and a forward horizontal or vizor bow F. The rear vertical how has at each side ofthe machine. the depending member thereof connected by pivot a with the upper end of a link G which link by pivot a" has connection with the side of the body near the rear thereof and considerably below its upper edge.

The link G. as indicated in Figs. 1 and is disposed in an oblique position. that is with an upward and rearward inclination: and H represents another link which has by pivots b and 7F, commctions with the vertical bow D at a point somewhatabove the pivot (L and with the body comparatively near its back.

In the action of the folding of the top. in which the various hows. bars. braces and members jointed one with another are brought to compact relations and all swung downwardly and rearwardly, .more or less as usual witlnfolding tops, the rear vertical bow D, swinging on the pivot a at the upper end of the link G is constrained by the link H to be. crowded forwardly, such link swinging from the upward and rearward inclination shown in Fig. 2 to the upward and forward inclination shown in Figs. 6 and 10 This forward displacement of the folded top automatically accomplished simultaneously with the downward and rearward swinging of the top saves a manual operation on the part of the person effect- 5 ing' the desired dispositions.

w the flexible the line of their upper sides At intermediate points in the height of the rearward and forward vertical bows considerably above the upper line of the body and doors, and about at the level at which material 0 which forms the covertop is brought down to, at each .;side, bars a? d are connected by pivots e e to the bows, said bars being by the joint e hinge connected together on approximately and slightly above the level of the aforesaid pivots e 6. Both said members d d are formed angle iron's or angle bars having the members thereof horizontally disposed and the meming for the hers 16 thereof which are right angular 26 and downwardly mar-glued by thereto vertically disposed, the vertically disposed members 16 forming stops for the u pper edge portions of the window sashes J and K which entirely fill the space upwardly the hinged and pivotally connected bars d d and the longitudinally continuous upper edge of the body and adjacent door C. i 5 The vertical bows D and E are formed of metallic Thais, the tiange portions 17, 17,

of which are in planes which are vertical, and longitudinally of the body, and such iiange portions form members with which the forward vertical edge of the window i' tion K and the rear vertical edge of the W tioii has fromthe bar portion 15 and which 50 adapted Window section J have overlapping relations.

The horizontal. upper edge of the body A has an ups riding ri? 3*, equivaient fol niation for a water we. and the "'ndow seezroo i lower edge for t with the and to ,EFLE, 7w in. place, dust, .nioistsre a.

rd one of the horirontalbare an engage 1. when the win;

5 d has secured and also downwardly curved relatively to the upper horizontal portion 15 thereof, springs g of fiat strip metal; and outside of and opposite the depending portion 16 of the bar are members 17' depending serve both as means for retaining the window section J against outward displacement when the latter is used and also to conceal the springs g. The WllIlfl 'FW section K is by the hinges K jointed to the upper edge portion of the door in a manner to be swung downwardly and inwardly for a disposition closely against the inn r si'. s of th door. When the WlndOW section K in its lowered position it is shielded from injury by covernig '1 .re w a guard member X. This i iy connected at its iower end as frame and 1S inside of the door at opposite end l r roamed 1 I 1 r l D with a iastening be. as o sated at X, this latter bar is adapted to coact with a, second bar arranged on the inner side of the upper horizontal bar of the door frameand thereby keeps the guard securely fastened in its closed position.

For bringing the window sections J and K into use in'the situation described and shown in Fig. 2, the window section J (while the window section K is downwardly folded on the inner side of the door) is brought to a position above the door and slid, by its upper edge, between bar members 16 and the depending flanges 17, and by its lower grooved edge matched with the rib f on the upper edge of the body until it rearwardly comes to an Mei-lapping relation to the fiangelike member 17 of the rear how.

The window section J has at its forward vertical edge and at 'theinner side a flangelike strip 18 which projects sufficiently forwardly, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, so that when the window section K, hinged to the door C, is swung to its upright position it is brought into a marginally overlapped relation to said window-carried flange-like mem ber 18, and member l7, of the forward bow as well as against the stop formed by the depending member 16 of the hinge jointed and pirotally connected forward bar (I.

in order that the rearward bow may be nicely positioned at the proper distance rearwardly beyond the edge of the door-carried window seetion K. so that such window sections together will lit with proper closeness in-the behind the rear bow D an adjustable abutmeat which (-onstituted by a threaded stud i screw engaged through a lug 20 therefor. This screw shul when properly positioned forms steadying abutment for the link and l r pivotally conne tcd thereto and preany tendency of the partsto become re Lively loose and ratiie.

The .L ir'o'i ontal or rizor bow F t at the same height bars d 17 and this the screw It having, as here represented, a butterfly nut tor convenience of turnmg it.

represents an auxiliary how about midway between the bows E. and D for pre venting bagging or sagging of the flexible portion of the top at this place, the depending portions of the same extending less far down than the hinge jointed bars d d;

easement therefor, the body has just r at each side of the ma.

To the. depending portion at each side of this auxiliary bow, links iv .4 are secured by a common pivot 7 they thence extending obliquely, downwardly, forwardly and rearwardly and by pivots if. is", have connections with the bars (Z d at points forward and to the rear of the hinge a.

An extension M of the auxiliary bow M. wh'ch is preferably formed of a spring metal strip, by an aperture M in its lower portion, has engagement with the hinge pivot extension 6 as represented in Fig. 8. whereby a snilicient-ly rigidly braced, or a trussed character, is imparted to the connections between the auxiliary bow M and the hinge connected bars (5 (I. so that accidental collapse of the jointed parts is impossible.

The bars (13, d. con'iprised in the forward horizontal or vizor bow F hinge jointed together at e as before stated are in substance counterparts of the aforementioncil hinge jointed and pivotally connected bars r! d between the vertical hows l) and E, the some having the horizontal portions 15, and the depending portions 16 to constitute win dow stops, and a sash window s-ectiim J is supplied to be reiniwably engaged between 'the upper horizontal edgl'o of the body and the rearward one of the bars thc rlepcuding nien'ibor ll? of the bar I] scrvinc? as window stops for such sash. said window sash having t its lower cdgl'c a rib and groove engagement where it joins the upper edge of the body and having at its upper edge an engagement between thc de pending flange-like members 16. 17 and subjected to the compression of the spring 1: and this window section lihcwisc carries a its forward edge portion a metallic strip 18", whereby to acquire an overlapping relation to the marginal. vertical. portion of the sash H which is hiuge-connocted to and inwardly foldable relatively to the fore door in the same manner as has been hereinabove described in conjuI-iction with the window scction K hinge conncctedto the rear door C. And thus in the space abouthc fore door and the portion of thc body between such door and thc rcar door and the lougitudis'ially ranging hardilcc member r7 7"". of the vizor bow. and which space border-ed by the forward bow l and the upright postdihc part of thc wind shield frame ll, the glass sashes J and K are provided for closure. as occasion may re- :pzirc insnbstantially the samc manncr as pro for thc similar spat-c to the roarwar'd iln-rcof.

The forward portion of the flexible maicrial comprised in the top which has an lbtnsc angular line between its forward end and its junction with tho forward bow E is supportcd by the auxiliary bow fl. the opposite downtnrncd mem ers of which are intermediately connected by pivot mto a link it which by pivot 0 has connection with the forward bow l) somewhat above the line of the hinge jointed bars (l and 1 such link nalso being pivotally connected to the forward one of the bar members somewhat in advance of the hinge joint 0.

1 represents an auxiliary bow for supporting in proper contour the back upper portion of the top the same being employed in this situation in a manner substantially the same as more or less common in foldable tops. v 0

It having been rendered manifest in what manncr the two sets of window sections at each side of the machine may be either or all thcreol' set up for the partial or entire closure of the space within the body. it will now be briefly explained that when desired to rcndcr the car entirely open it is only.

necessary to detach the fastenings h for the front vizcr bo\\'.---where the latter is connected with the upper part of the wind shield l l'illlll.**illltl also the fastening at the. lower end of each depending member of the foldablc bow 1C, whereupon all of the auxil iary bows and bingo jointed window stopforming bars pivotally connected to the main bows, and the auxiliary bows may be folded to compact relations, the approached conditions of which are represented in Fig. 10 in which the bar members (F, are folded one over the other, the auxiliary bow as constrained by the sidcwiso locatcd link 11 acquiring a disposition closely next to the forward bow hi, and the hinge connected bar-like members (.1 (Z being doubled on themselves permit the bows l: and l) to be brought closely together in the nested relations rcprcscntcd in Fig. 7, the auxiliary bow M coming in between such bows l) and D, it being understood that the bar-like members .1] u and If, and the various links included in the jointed skeleton-like frame of the top, having their locations in longitudinally ranging vertical planes at each side of the body, constitute no obstructions to the foldin c and unfoldimc actions.

I am aware that an illltOlllUllllO body has been made or proposed which has been constructed with a top of foldablc character and in which a sash window has been carried, in a manner, by the. door; and adapted. when desired to close the opening directly above the door, to be moved in such closed position; but in such construction the window was slidable relatively to an additionally provided internally grooved frame hinged to the upper portion of the door and serving as a casimc for the window sash only when the same is raised, the. said sash being adapted wlicu lowered, to descend into a pocket within the door; and in said construction. requiring a comparatively thick and bulky frame, for the window sash, 13o

oted to the bow ber above the hinged to the upper portion of the door, it is necessary that the window sash be capable of transverse movement relatively to the frame so that such sash when lifted out of the pocket therefor in the door will -be brought to a position of rest upon the 11 per edge of the door adjacent the mouth 0 the pocket. 1

Now, it is to be especially pointed out that in the construction and arrangement here provided by me, no window frame or casement for the glass-sash, hinge-connected to the door, and provided additional to the sash, is required, the sash being directly hinge-connected to the door and when swung up to firm and anti-rattling contact against the stop thereabove, filling that por-' tion of the space above the door while a portion of the space to one side of, or longitudinally beyond each door is substantially entirely closed by the removable glass sash,the one glass sash having a portion for matching with and in overlapping relation to the adjacent vertical edge of the other sash, and without the requirement that any fixed or dividing member be provided as an appurtenance of either the body or the top.

I claim 1. The combination with a vehicle body, of a foldable top including a rear bow and another bow for detachable connection with the body forwardly of the rear bow, and pivot-ally jointed means connecting the bows, a link pivotally mounted on the side of the body below the upper edge thereof, and extending in a general upward direction from its pivot, and to the upper end of which link the lower end of the rear bow pi oted, and means for automatically forcing the bows and the link to which the rear bow is connected forwardly as the bows are downwardly and rcarwardly S\Vl f.l, o.

The combination with a vehicle body of a foldable top comprising a how, a link pivotally mounted on the side of the body below the upper edge thereof and extending from its pivot upwardly and with a rearward inclination, and to the upper end of which link the lower end of the bow 'is pivoted, and a link pivoted to an upper part of the body to the rear of the bow, upwardly and forwardly inclined and pivabove the pivotal conned with the first named link automatically" force the bow and the link towhich'it is connected, forwardly as such bow is downwardly and rearwardly swung.

3. In a vehicle body, the combination of a body proper, a foldable top, a door in the body having a foldable glass sash hinged thereto, a normally horizontal memdoor forming a sto'p'for' the tion of the latter and operative to ,which is detach bet" members above the door and the portion of the body-side adjacent thereto, a glass sash fitting between the upper edge portion of the body to one side of the door and said horizontal member, and a foldable door sash which can .be raised to position adjacent to the removable window sh. and means for holding the vable Edow sash in its place. I

5. The combination with a vehicle having in its side a door opening and a door for closing the same, of a foldable top including relatively rear and forward bows, the depending member of the forward one of which is detachably connected to the side of the body forward of the door opening, supporting means movable forwardly and rearwardly relatively to the body, and to which the rearward oneof said bows has a pivotal connection, and adapted to be swung rearwardly anddownwardly, normally horizontal bars hinge connected one to another between said depending bow members and also pivoted to such members intermediately of the height thereof, removable glass for closing the open space of which the up per edges of the body and door, the depending' bow members and the hinge connected horizontal bars form' the noun-a means for causing a for\ said supporting means, ai connected therewith, fori V able top is downwardlj i .j swung.

6. The combination xvii? having in its side a de for closing the same, i ing relativeiy re depending menil body the b0 v for swung rearw mally h'oriz'zonta to another be members and also I intermediately of th dew sash hinge-col of t door and n the d-s nected horizontai bars;

7. The combinati: I havin in its side a door a. r for closing the same, of a top inciuding relatively rear and forward hows, the depending member of the forward one of which is connected to the side of the body forward of the door opening while the rear bow is jointed to the body to the rearward of such'open ,a hor zontal bar connected to said dependin bow members intermediately of the height thereof, a window sash hinge-connected to the upper part of the door and adapted to close the space above the door and between it and one of said hinge connected horizontal bars and another window sash adapted to close the space between the rear bow and window section carried by the door,the parts which form the boundaries of the space for the reception of said window sections including stops for receiving bearings thereagainst of said window sashes.

8. The combination with a vehicle body having in its side a door opening and a door for closing the same, of a top including relatively rear and forward hows, the depending member of the forward one of which is detachably connected to the side of the body forward of the door opening while the rear bow is jointed to the body to the rearward of such opening, and adapted to be swung rearwardly and downwardly, normally horizontal bars hingeconnected one to another between said depending bow members and also pivoted to such members intermediately of the height thereof, a window sash hinge-connected to the upper part of the door and adapted to close the space above the door and between it and one of said hinge connected horizontal bars and another window sash a dapted to close the space between the rear bow and window sash carried by the door, one of said sashes having along one of itsvertical edges a. mcm'oe adapted to have an overlapping relation to the margin of the adjacent window sash. v,

9. The combination with a vehicle body having at its side a door opening, with a door for closing the same. and having a rib along its upper edge constituting a water bar, of a top including relatively rear and for ward hows, the depending member of the forward one of which is connected with the side of the body forward of the door opening, while the rear bow is connected to the body considerably to the rear of such opening, a horizontal angle bar connected to said bow members intermcdiately of the height thereof, and a window sash having a groove at its bottom for engagement with said water bar and adapted to have its top in engagement with the horizontal bar.

1 The combination with a vehicle body having at its side a door opening with a door for closing the same, of a 'foldable top including relatively rear and forward hows, the depending member of the forward one of which is detachably connected with the sale of the body forward of the door openirg, while the rear bow is jointed to the body c nsiderably to the rear of such opening and :u aptcd to be swung rcarwardly and down \\':,1a,lly, and normally horizontal bars hinge rcinected one to another between said depciding bow members and pivoted to such members intermediately of the height thereof, one of said bars comprising a horizontal member, and a vertical window stop forming flange, and a spring carried by and downwardly reacting below the horizontal portion of said bar.

11. The combination with a vehicle be iy having at its side a door opening, with a door for closing the same, and having a rib along its upper edge, of a top including relatively rear and forward hows, the nepending member of the forward one of which is connected with the side of the body forward of the door opening, while the rear bow is connected to the body considerably to the rear of such opening, a horizontal bar extending between and connected to said depending bow members intermediatel of the height thereof, and made with a window stop. a window sash provided with a groove at its bottom to engage said rib and adapted to have its upper edge engage against said stop along the rear portion of said horizontal bar, and a spring for exerting a vertical downward pressure against the window section.

The combination with a vehicle body having at its side a door opening with a door for closing the same, and having along its upper edge an upstanding rib, of a top including relatively rear and forward hows, the depending member of the forward one of which is connected with the side of the body forward of the door opening, while the rear bow is connected to the body considerably to the rear of such opening and adapted to be swung rearwardly and downwardly, normally horizontal bars hinge-connected one to another between said depending how members and pivoted to such members intermediately of the height thereof, the rearward one of said bars being made with a portion to form a window stop, and said bar ha ring a depending member o )posite to, and ranging parallel with, its window stop f\ 1-ming portion, a window sash having a groove in its bottom to engage said rib and adapted to have itsuppcr portion in engagement against said stop and disposed between the stop and said depending member, and a spring for exerting a vertical pressure against the win dow section.

13. The combination with a vehicle body having a door opening in its side and a door for closing the same, of a top including a bow, the depending member of which is located in line with the forward boundary of said door opening and another how the de pending member of which is located at a considerable distance to the rear of such opening,a bar horizontally arranged between and connecting the said how depending members intermediate of the height of such bows, and comprising a horizontal member and a depending flange-like window stop,

, bow, a

such bar at its portion which is to the rear-' body which is to the rear of the door opening and adapted for engagement between the window stop of said bar and the depending member opposite thereto and to be downwardly pressed by said spring and another window section hinge connected to the upper portion of the door and when swung upwardly to engage against the window sto of the said horizontal bar.

14. Tlie combination with a vehicle bad}: of a foldable top comprising a bow, a lin pivotal-1y mounted on the side of the body below the upper edge thereof and extending in a generally upward direction from its pivot, and to the upper end of which link the lower end of the bow ispivoted, an abutment for limiting the rear swinging movement of the pivotally connected link and bow, and means for automatically forcing the bow and link forwardly when the bow is downwardly and rearwardl swung.

15. The combination with a vehicle body havin in its side a door opening and a door for c osing the same, of a top, including a normally vertical bow and a vertical member sup orted by the body forward of such ar connected with the vertical bow and said upright member forward thereof, a window sash adapted to engage between the upper portion of the body and the bar thereabove, and a window sash hinge connected to said door and adapted to be swung up between the upper edge of the door and the forward portion of the bar, and said sash windows together entirely closing the space between said vertical bow and said vertical member forward, thereof.

16, A vehicle top -comprising normally vertical bows composed of metallic angle strips having the angular portions thereof in longitudinal and transverse planes, and bars also composed of metallic angle strips having the angular portions thereof in similar planes, and having ends of the portions in longitudinal planes hinge jointed one to another and having their outer ends engaged alongside of and pivotally 0011110?!- ed to the portions of said bows which are in the longitudinal planes whereby in the foid ing of the parts said bars niayJiave closely nested relations to each other and to the bows.

17. The combination with a vehicle body having in its side a door opening and a door for closing same, of a post-like upright forward of the door opening, and another postlike upright at a considerable distance to the rear of said door opening, normally horizontal bars hinge connec ed oneto' an other and also jointed in said uprights, a window sash for a closure of the space for ward'of the rearwardly located upright and between the body and one ofsaid hinge jointed bars, and another hinge connected to door, adapted-to close the space above such door, and forwardly between window upright.

18. The combination with a vehicle body of a top includin a-rear bow and a. bow forward thereof t e which are connected normally horizontal together and pivoted an auxiliary bow member between said first named bows, links connected to the depending portions of said auxiliary bow and to the said bars at points respectively forward and tothe rear of their hinge connections,

window sash the upper part of'the the first named section and the forwardly located depending members of to the sides of the body,.- bars hinge connectedto said bow members and detachable means for preventing a collapse of the pivotally jointed bars and link connected auxiliary bow.

19. The combination with a vehicle body of a foldabletop including a rear bow and a bow forward thereof the depending members of which are connected to the sides of the body, normally horizontal bars pivoted to said how members, and havinghinges.

connecting them, each formed with an extended pivot, an auxiliary bow between said links connected to the depending portions of said auxiliary bow and to the said bars at points res ectively forward and to the rear of their liinge connec tions and apertured spring plates carried by the depending portions ,of the auxiliary bow, and adapted to detachably engage the extended hinge pivots. 20. In a vehicle first named bows,

the combination bodfy, with a body proper, a oldable top, a door in the body, a removable sash, means for mounting said sash between the upper edge of the body and the foldable' top on one side of the door, and a swinging sash cured to the top edge of the door and cooperating with the first named means for preventing removal of the sash when the swinging sash is in operative position.

91. In :1 vehicle body. the combination of members above the door and the portion of moval of the siidaizifi s sh when tin? Wlilfl the body side adpwent thereto, a glass Sash mg 921811 15 in It; (HJUI'QUVQ phi-n2 slidably mounted between thv upper edge Signed by mu at rfviiringgiieiu. M 1; portion of the body to 0110 side of the door 'PIOSLHPQ of two subscribing with? and said horizontal inenibeig and a pivoted IHRSD \Lil Y door sash \\'hi(h can be raised inio pmitioii Wit-mesa.-

adjacent to the slidabie sash thereby cun- 1'. H, 1HHS'OIL. stitntlng a means for pi'm'eiiting the re" N31, Brim. 

